When we get to the dining hall, Giovanni isn't on his phone for once and I know that I'm in for trouble when his eyes land on me. His gaze follows me the entire time as I make my way to my usual seat. When I go to pull the chair out, he shakes his head before pointing to the chair directly across from him instead of the one beside him. I stiffen before moving to the chair.
I hate it the moment I sit down and I realize exactly why he wants me to sit in it.
I have no choice but to look him in the face.
He stares at me, his elbow on the arm of his chair and his chin cradled in his hand. I'm thankful for my dark skin, because my face is absolutely blazing and I have no doubt it'd be red if I were lighter.
Giovanni doesn't say anything to me, not when Donna brings out our breakfast and not when we're eating.
I almost think that I'm in the clear until breakfast is over and he finally speaks.
"I'd think to ask if you were okay after yesterday, but considering you squirted all over my best friend's face while I watched, I can assume you're alright."
If Enzo didn't know before, he certainly knows now. But I don't glance at his face as I continue to stare at Giovanni head on.
His eyes are challenging and I want to wither under his stare but I know better.
"I didn't realize you care whether or not I'm okay."
His eyes narrow the slightest bit. "Of course. I don't know how many times I have to stress you're mine for you to understand I actually care about what happens to you. I don't want to lose an asset after all." His words are meant to cut and they do the job with perfect precision.
"If you truly care about your assets, then why did it take so long for you to get to it when it was in trouble last night?" It's a question I'd wondered last night but with rage backing me this morning, I have the nerve to ask.
His fists clench on top of the table and he leans forward slightly. "Someone triggered the security system in the back. I didn't know at the time it was just a distraction so I had my men on what I thought was the most valid threat."
"Well you thought wrong," I inform him, feeling anger bubbling up again.
"Something that doesn't happen often," he says. "And it won't happen again anytime soon. From now on you're going to carry a gun on you. Do you know how to use one?"
I'm taken so off guard by the subject change that I can only stare at him in shock for a moment. "A gun?"
"Yes." I don't miss the irritation in his tone. "Do you know how to use one because from the look you're giving me, it's almost like you don't know what one is."
I don't appreciate the sarcasm. "Yes. But even if I didn’t know, I’m sure I’d figure it out if given the opportunity to shoot you."
The room falls into silence, no one moving or speaking.
I should be more afraid than I actually am, but I'm pretty sure something broke in me last night. Now I'm only mildly afraid.
Giovanni leans forward, his eyes hard.
Okay, that was a fucking lie. I'm extremely terrified.
"I didn't see a pair of balls on you last night, but it seems you've grown some." His hand crosses the table, gripping my wrist hard enough to make me wince. "Cut them before I do." He pulls back, getting to his feet. He looks down at me. "Enzo will make sure you’re actually equipped to handle a gun. You'll only be given one under occasion where you'll be a considerable distance from him. Don't even attempt to use it on him at the range or elsewhere. If you do, I'll find that cracked out brother of yours and make you bathe in his blood. Do you understand?"
I grit my teeth. "Yes."